We are desperate to play against India: Misbah

Karachi: Pakistan's Misbah-ul-Haq believes that India is the most improved side in world cricket and if they tour Pakistan next month, the series will be exciting.

Misbah-ul-Haq, however, warned that Pakistan will be no pushovers if the six-week-long series take place.

"India is the most improved team in world cricket right now," Misbah told reporters here at the National Stadium on Tuesday. "It has a very, very solid batting line-up but I must say that our bowling is stronger with the return of Shoaib Akhtar. So I'm sure if the series is played, it would be an exciting one," he said.

India are to play three Tests, five one-dayers and a Twenty20 game during -Jan-Feb. But the tour is in serious doubt in the wake of last month's terror attacks in Mumbai that has strained the relations between the two neighbours.

Misbah said he and his teammates are hoping that the series goes through. "We haven't played any Test cricket this year and are desperate to play against leading teams like India," he said. "All of us are really hoping India play here."

He said in the worst-case scenario, Pakistan should line up a series against Sri Lanka. "Playing against Sri Lanka is also very good because they are a strong side," he said.